Serenity Retreats

Testimonials

The retreat was an incredible mix of spiritual, physical and mental work
that allowed me to accomplish my goal of getting grounded, calming my mind and feeling strong. I highly recommend attending. I
learned a lot about meditation and working towards inner peace. Thank you Melissa for an amazing day. It's great to know that there
is such a wonderful program available.

Erin Vong
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat, November 12, 2017)

"This was my second time attending a Serenity retreat. It was the perfect way to spend a day devoted to myself. There were lots
of opportunities to challenge one's mind and body. There was no pressure to "perform." The setting was lovely and the space felt
very safe. The meal was incredible and delicious. Melissa guides you well into serenity!"

Barbara Cahill
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat, November 12, 2017)

"This was my third time attending a retreat with Melissa and I continue to be happy with my experience!"

Kelly Enston
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat, November 12, 2017)

"I enjoyed this retreat very much. This was the first time I ever attended a retreat and the first time I took one of Melissa's
classes. I felt very welcomed from the moment I walked into the studio. Everyone was accepted and felt very comfortable. I felt
amazing with the fact that Melissa helped me modify some of the moves as I have an injured knee, but with her positive attitude, I
felt like I could accomplish everything. Thank you Melissa!"

Chrystianna Tsilas
(Power Up Retreat, April 29, 2017)

"This was my third retreat. I thoroughly enjoyed the Power Up Retreat experience. It was extremely challenging yet great fun due
to Melissa's infectious humour and positive energy. It's a powerful day to relax and be good to your body, mind and spirit. Another
great day, Melissa! Thank you!!"

Karina Hyder
(Power Up Retreat, April 29, 2017)

"After a full day and no expectations I am fully satisfied with all aspects of the retreat. Melissa was extremely organized
with all segments of the retreat, beautifully transitioned. She gave every moment a special meaning and allowed lots of time for
expansion of the body and the mind. Her chosen meal was both very nutritious and delicious. I would definitely attend another
retreat and hope to see new options."

"Melissa creates a very relaxed and non-judgmental space with her positive energy and sense of humour as we explored various
yoga poses and mudras. I would highly recommend this workshop for anyone who would like to spend a day focused on self-care."

"Thank you!!! Thank you for giving us some time to be with ourselves. The schedule worked so fantastic for me; singing the
Gayatri Mantra was truly an experience that will be with me forever. Thank you again for the food and the smiles through the
time that we were there… Namaste. This was my first retreat…but definitely not the last one. Thanks again for making this happen
for me."

"This was my second Serenity Yoga & Meditation Retreat. It was perfect from start to finish. Melissa makes it fun and inspirational.
I am beginning to see the benefits of meditation as I learn more about it especially with the busy lives we all lead. The food was
fantastic and the Indian Head massage is a lovely end to our practice."

Karina Hyder
(The Yin & The Yang Day Retreat, November 19, 2016)

"I loved the om chanting and recitation meditation. The yoga asanas were great as was the intention setting. Melissa explained
everything throughly and is very knowledgeable, she was such a perfect and warm, welcoming and kind retreat leader. She led a
wonderful retreat and her heart was there in all the components. She really made yoga (and all the 8 limbs of it) accessible to
all!"

Jordann Zaza
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"The chance to focus on myself and give me a chance to build energy was so valuable. The setting and the organization of the
retreat was amazing, as was the lunch!! I really enjoyed the recitation meditation and the mandalas."

Dea Shahinas
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"It was evident how much care went into the planning of this retreat and I’m thankful that I got to be a part of it. I found the
meditation the most valuable as that is something quite unique that I’ve never tried before. I also really enjoyed the flow yoga –
it was challenging but in a good way! Lunch was delicious and so well-prepared. The head massage was a good way to end the day and
the whole day left me feeling so calm."

Brianne Pickrell
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

This was amazing!! Such a gift!! Melissa is a generous and kind yoga instructor! She created an inclusive space to learn,
reflect, grow, honour, and stretch ourselves. Melissa was able to adapt the practice to meet the diverse experiences and needs
of the group. I really appreciated how the activities and meditations reached different learning styles, through art, music,
silence, reflection, body, writing, etc. Thank you so much for encouraging and challenging us to explore, practice, and honour
our own process. I felt very relaxed after the full day retreat, and ready to bring the strategies I learned into my everyday
life. It was so lovely to be transported to a warm, beautiful place in the middle of a busy, rainy Saturday. I feel blissed out
and so grateful. THANK YOU!

Velvet Lacasse
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"This was my second Serenity Retreatl and again it did not disappoint. It challenged me mentally, physically and emotionally. I
left feeling relaxed and stimulated. Thank you again, Melissa! I definitely suggest this to anyone looking fora break from a hectic
life!"

Stef D'Alessandro
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat, November 12, 2017)

"This yoga and meditation retreat was fun, energizing, relaxing and peaceful. It has something for everyone to enjoy and I think
that's what makes it so great!"

Kristen Hyder
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat, November 12, 2017)

"The retreat was a very nice experience. It was challenging but flexible for all. The yoga space was nice and bright and welcoming.
I left feeling relaxed, centred and energetic. Thank you!!"

Angie Ceci
(Power Up Retreat, April 29, 2017)

"This retreat was intense and challenging, but fun and enjoyable. I could feel every muscle in my body working hard."

Malaena Lynch
(Power Up Retreat, April 29, 2017)

"Melissa's energy was phenomenal. I was slightly intimidated coming into the retreat, but was so grateful for the positive and
welcoming energy. Thank you! I will be back!"

Emily Coleman
(Power Up Retreat, April 29, 2017)

"A wonderful day filled with lots of activities. My first retreat, so I learned a lot. Melissa was fun and knowledgeable. I
would do another retreat and recommend it."

"Melissa is a fantastic instructor and leader. The flow of the retreat day is very well organized and logical without feeling
rushed through anything, through the day goes by amazingly quickly. I especially liked the emphasis on meditation and felt that the
environment allowed us the comfort and solitude to be able to really focus inward. Melissa also has a nice selection of readings
and posted phrases which are relevant and meaningful."

"This retreat was exactly what I needed. Melissa was great. Very friendly & welcoming as well as very knowledgeable and
organized in her practice. The atmosphere created was beautiful and the food provided for lunch was delicious. I would definitely
recommend future retreats to my friends, family and clients. I will be attending more of these for sure! Thank you for a wonderful day Melissa!"

Kelly Enston
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat, March 18th, 2017)

"Melissa provided a relaxing, self-reflective retreat without having to get away and leave the city. I highly suggest this retreat for
anyone looking to power down! This was my first, but most certainly won’t be my last!!"

"This retreat was an amazing day- from the various meditation techniques to the yoga. Melissa created a wonderful day, the
atmosphere was glowing. The food was amazing. I have a wonderful flow and feel so grateful for attending. Thank you Melissa."

Sarah Kenney
(The Yin & The Yang Day Retreat, November 19, 2016)

"The self care of mind body and spirit was so valuable. As someone new to the practice, I found many things difficult, but I didn’t
feel ANY judgement. I felt calm and relaxed and was reminded that with time I may be able to do more things. I loved the location
and space. Thank you for having a silent space. Please continue to offer these retreats. THANK YOU!"

Alexandra Waithe
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"The atmosphere at the retreat was full of acceptance and lightness of spirit, yet maintained a respect for the yoga traditions
and techniques. Every participant was able to enjoy it in their own beautiful way."

Laura Burns
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"Coming to this retreat reminded me that often simple simple techniques can be very effective at helping me focus. Breath work in
particular. The goal setting and following up on self care was so encouraging, it makes going forward to create a better practice
feel more possible. The restorative yoga was amazing!!"

Kelly Ricard
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"The retreat was a beautiful, peaceful experience and every moment was valuable for me. Melissa is exceptional at what she does.
I give thanks for being a part of it, it was a perfect day for me. THANK YOU!"

Luana Waithe
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"This was my fourth retreat with Melissa and every time I attend I learn something new about the practice and meditation.
Meditation is still very much a work in progress for me. I am learning to slow my mind down and enjoy the moment through the use
of meditation and breathing. Melissa, it was another great retreat. I am already looking forward to the next!"

Karina Hyder
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat, November 12, 2017)

"Melissa is a very experienced instructor and has created a well-balanced and restorative day full of rich opportunities to reflect
on and develop your yoga practice."

Thomas Widstrand
(The Yin & The Yang Retreat, November 12, 2017)

"The Power Up yoga retreat was challenging in all the right ways and left me feeling centred with a deep sense of relaxation
and calm."

Michelle Achinski
(Power Up Retreat, April 29, 2017)

"Melissa set a positive and inclusive tone right from the beginning and kept it up throughout the day. SO MUCH FUN!"

Dorina Kwan
(Power Up Retreat, April 29, 2017)

"This was my second retreat and once again I really enjoyed it! Even if I couldn't do everything, it was such a great experience.
I also enjoyed being the energy exchange, helping to run the day. I can't wait until next time."

Kelly Enston
(Power Up Retreat, April 29, 2017)

"I had an amazing day, which was focused on being present and caring for the self. The atmosphere, activities and feeling was so
positive and the lunch was positively yummy! Thank you Melissa for a memorable and learning-filled experience! I look forward to
the next retreat!"

"A great day to spend without leaving the heart of the city to relax."

Helen Mach
(Complete Relax & Restore Day Retreat, March 18th, 2017)

"This retreat was thoughtfully constructed to build foundational steps toward deeper stretches and meditation. Melissa was
very kind in addressing my allergy and dietary restrictions. I really enjoyed this experience and felt rested and very centred
by the end of it. The care and attention to details like motivational quotes, a space for silence and prizes at the end made
this a very special day. Thanks so much!"

"I deeply enjoyed the yoga and meditation retreat even though I'm still new to yoga. It really opened up my heart and mind to the
practice. Above all, it was a relaxing day full of soothing self-awareness that I won't soon forget."

Kayla Rubino
(The Yin & The Yang Day Retreat, November 19, 2016)

"I enjoyed being unplugged and being challenged in the flow practice. The meditations and repetitions of AUM and all it’s parts
we did were so healing. I LOVED the lunch. The retreat was very well organized, thought through and the day flowed so well."

Stephanie Hickey
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"I loved this introduction to many types of meditation and the thoughtful way we were lead through traditional practices and
chanting. Melissa created a very caring and growth-inspiring space. The whole retreat was clearly very considered and done with
love. Lunch was AMAZING! I really loved the flow and relaxation asanas. Melissa is super gifted at leading retreats. This was an
incredible day with so many special little touches."

Melissa Benner
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"I enjoyed the thoughtful structure- moving between asana practice, breath work and various types of meditation kept my mind and
body engaged. I liked the option of being silent. The food was delicious, nourishing and I appreciated the care that went into the
preparation of it and the attention to reducing waste. The space worked really well; being able to move from quiet space on our mats
to a more social space to chat, drink tea, etc. throughout the day contributed to a welcoming atmosphere."

Sarah Bradley
(Yoga & Meditation Day Retreat, October 1, 2016)

"The day was so relaxing, which was one of the reasons I registered. I really enjoyed my first full exposure to meditation, it
was very different for me, but quite relaxing. I loved the flow practice as well and felt so encouraged to continue striving toward
bettering myself."